ChicagoNEXT Recognizes Future Founders

November 5, 2019

I am honored and humbled to share that Future Founders received the 2019 ChicagoNEXT Award by World Business Chicago at the Chicago Consular Corps Gala on November 1. The ChicagoNEXT Award is bestowed upon individuals or organizations for their commitment to the advancement of technology and innovation, as well as their dedication to civic life. Read the full press release here.

A huge thank you to World Business Chicago, Mark Tebbe, Andrea Zopp, Abin Kuriakose, and the ChicagoNEXT Council. We stand with you to drive growth and opportunity in Chicago’s tech community and believe that inclusive entrepreneurship begins with our youth. We are grateful to join the company of past recipients including Microsoft, Relativity (formerly kCura), and Kristi Ross, co-CEO and President of tastytrade.

Building Future Founders has been an incredible journey, and much of our success is due to the fact that we were created right here in Chicago. Chicago is a city full of rich industries, opportunities, and most importantly, incredible talent.

You hear a lot of news about Chicago, but what you don’t hear enough of is the untold stories of positive impact – especially on the South and West Sides. The students we serve give us hope. We’re here to give them a voice, a seat at the table, and the knowledge that they control their own future.

I want to thank our incredible students and founders who inspire me every day, our amazing team who makes everything possible, and supporters like you for your continued belief in us, in our students, and the power of entrepreneurship.

Since 2005, we’ve empowered over 35,000 youth in Chicago and across the country to create their own opportunity. And we’re just getting started. I encourage you to join us as we empower the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.